Fatal accident involving Escapade aircraft at Breighton Airfield

Casualties unknown • Breighton Airfield, East Riding of Yorkshire, GB

A single-engine Escapade aircraft crashed during takeoff at Breighton Airfield, resulting in the death of the pilot after the cockpit seat moved rearwards.

What happened

On 14 November 2021, an Escapade, registration G-CGNV, was performing a private flight from Rufforth (East) Airfield to Breighton Airfield. Following a morning remembrance service, the pilot attempted a takeoff from Runway 10. During the initial climb, the pilot transmitted a radio message stating there was an issue with the seat and intended to return to the airfield.

Witnesses and CCTV footage observed the aircraft climbing at an unusual angle with a steep pitch and a significant sideslip. The aircraft drifted right of the runway centerline and reached an altitude of approximately 180 ft agl. At this height, the left wing dropped, causing the aircraft to depart from controlled flight. The aircraft struck the runway near the control tower, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and a subsequent fire. The pilot sustained one fatal injury.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the aircraft's seat mechanism and the cockpit configuration. The Escapade features adjustable seats that slide on nylon runners, secured by a spring-loaded pin in an adjustment rail. To facilitate entry and exit, pilots often move the seat to its rearmost position, which can make verifying the pin's engagement difficult.

Investigators found that the seat adjustment pin was not properly seated within a hole in the adjustment rail. Furthermore, while the aircraft was equipped with backup straps designed to prevent seat movement in the event of pin failure, the pilot's strap was found to be too loose to prevent the seat from sliding. The investigation also noted that recent adjustments to the rudder control cables had moved the pedals closer to the pilot, necessitating a forward seat position.

Findings

  • The seat adjustment pin was not correctly engaged in the adjustment rail.
  • The seat adjuster backup strap was not tightened sufficiently to secure the seat in the required forward position.
  • The rearward movement of the seat caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft.
  • The physical condition of the adjustment rail suggested the seat had moved to the rear of its travel during the impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's seat moving rearwards during takeoff, which led to a loss of control; this occurred because the seat adjustment pin was not properly locked into the adjustment rail and the secondary backup strap was not tightened.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-11-14 Escapade accident near Breighton Airfield, East Riding of Yorkshire, GB?

A single-engine Escapade aircraft crashed during takeoff at Breighton Airfield, resulting in the death of the pilot after the cockpit seat moved rearwards.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-11-14 involved a Escapade, registration G-CGNV, at Breighton Airfield, East Riding of Yorkshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's seat moving rearwards during takeoff, which led to a loss of control; this occurred because the seat adjustment pin was not properly locked into the adjustment rail and the secondary backup strap was not tightened.

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